Historic Naval Colors from the Estate of H. Richard Dietrich Jr.

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Freeman’s is delighted to announce that it will offer for sale a unique collection of historic and rare naval flags from one of the most revered patrons and collectors of American art, the late H. Richard Dietrich, Jr., on Monday, April 30, 2012 following the American Furniture, Silver and Decorative Arts auction. Included are some of the earliest known and significant patterns of our Nation’s naval ensigns from our country’s most iconic ship, the USS Constitution. Our April auction provides a unique opportunity for the public to acquire a piece of American history. The historic colors include a rare 13-star naval ensign and the unparalleled grouping of flags from the U.S.S. Constitution that have survived with a rich and colorful provenance almost equal to that of the ship itself. This exceptional grouping of 12 flags spanning six decades has been in private hands for more than 150 years and never been on the open market. Dietrich’s ambition and foresight to preserve American history through material culture combined with his lifelong passion for the sea has secured the survival of these flags; the ensigns are testaments to American pride, patriotism and preservation.